SP leader's death sparks violence

The murder of a Samajwadi Party (SP) leader here sparked violence and tension after party activists damaged several vehicles, blocked roads and targeted public property in protest against the killing, police said Saturday.

The murder of a Samajwadi Party (SP) leader here sparked violence and tension after party activists damaged several vehicles, blocked roads and targeted public property in protest against the killing, police said Saturday.

HT Image

Ajai Rai, 30, was found dead Friday night in Naini area. His body bearing bullet injuries was recovered from bushes and his licensed revolver was missing.

Police was yet to ascertain the motive behind the crime and the identity of the attackers.

Protesting against the killing, party activists indulged in heavy stone-pelting, targeting vehicles and public property.

"Additional security has been deployed in the area. The situation is still tense but under control," police inspector Ajai Seth told reporters in Allahabad, some 200 km from Lucknow.

While Rai was a member of the district unit of the party, his wife is the secretary of the party's district-level women's wing here.